Groovy Like A Movie honored for 'green' efforts

Related Special Reports

Groovy Like A Movie, a full service multi-media production company, was recently recognized by the San Diego Area Green Business Program for adopting and meeting strict environmental compliance and conservation practices.

Groovy completed all the required program tasks in just over six months and is the first production company to be acknowledged as a green organization in Southern California by such a program.

"Groovy exceeded the minimum program requirements in many of the evaluation categories, including pollution prevention and waste reduction," said KariLyn Merlos, Pollution Prevention Specialist at the county of San Diego. "They have a high level of commitment to being environmentally friendly and took the time to analyze all of their processes -- from the way they dispense snacks in the kitchen to the way they reuse paint on the sets. Groovy then implemented a lot of small changes that really added up to one, big positive impact."

The program establishes a strict set of standards that businesses must follow in order to become officially recognized. The five areas of concentration include environmental compliance, pollution prevention, energy and water conservation and solid waste reduction. The purpose of the initiative is to not only reduce waste and utility costs, but to help businesses attract customers by allowing them to display participation stickers on their establishments and provide safer work environments.

Groovy's initiatives don't stop with the Green Business Program recognition. The company is currently researching other environmental certification programs in which to participate as well as making plans to increase their local community involvement in green projects.

Two brothers from the Dixieline Lumber family, Derek and Craig Cowling, have plans to bring the first 100 percent organic beef burger restaurant to downtown San Diego in November. Opening in Westfield's Horton Plaza, O'Brothers' fully renovated 1,400-square-foot location will serve as the flagship for expansion throughout San Diego.

O'Brothers will feature premium organic beef that is grass fed for 12 months before a short diet of organic grains and corn for 12 weeks to bring out the beef's natural flavors. All of the ingredients and products used at O'Brothers are USDA certified organic, including the beef, bun, bacon, cheese, onion, tomato, condiments, fries, soda, wine and beer. The restaurant plans to achieve organic kitchen certification from Quality Assurance International.

"We are very proud of our family's history in San Diego with Dixieline and look forward to opening a new chapter while continuing the tradition of great service and a superior product for consumers," said Derek Cowling.